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History of St. Anthony Catholic Church
 In the early years of the 20th Century, when highways were only sketchy lines on maps and today’s cities were then mere villages, it could be said that many Oregon individuals, families and towns were ‘railroaded’ into the Catholic church. That would have been by the several chapel cars which criss-crossed the Northwest and stirred interest in Catholicism. The idea for the chapels built on railroad cars originated in Europe in the 1860’s when Pope Piux IX used one on the Vatican train. Czarist Russia also had several cars in use. Fr. Francis Kelly, the founder and first president of the Catholic Extension Society, thought the chapel car would have a lot of appeal. Besides housing both pastor and congregation it could visit neglected places. He felt that its very novelty would draw non-Catholics to hear a missionary. So Fr. Kelly put out a plea asking “Who will give us a chapel car?”Mr. Ambrose Petry answered the call and approached Mr. Richard Dean, then Vice-President of the Pullman Company in Chicago, with the object of buying a discontinued old Wagner Pullman. He purchased one of these cars for $2,000 and Mr. Dean paid for interior alterations. The new chapel car was named by Mr Petry in honor of St. Anthony and was officially blest in 1907. The car was 72 feet long with a normal seating capacity of 50, but could hold 65 if necessary. The arrival of St. Anthony Chapel Car September, 1909 in Portland was the result of many appeals made by Archbishop Christie to the officials of the Catholic Extension Society. Those chapel car missionaries were 20th century apostles, preaching, making converts, defending the faith, spreading the word of God. have seen for myself what the chapel car is doing, I am unalterably convinced that it is the most effective means yet devised for bringing the blessings of our Holy Religion to places where there are no churchesä said Archbishop Christie 
The work of the St. Anthony rolling chapel came to an end in August, 1919 when the railroads refused to haul wooden Pullman car on their tracks. Meanwhile ãSt. Peterâs Chapel Carä had been dedicated in 1912 and ãSt. Paulâs Chapel Carä was dedicated and put to use in 1915 St. Anthony Chapel Car, 72 feet long, was adapted for railroad towns in West. St. Peterâs was a modern car as compared to old St. Anthonyâs. The all-steel body had a copper roof and it was furnished with Cuban mahogany. The overall length was 84 feet with the part set aside for the chapel measuring 43 feet. Seating accommodations were for 74 persons. The 33 pews were equipped with comfortable kneeling benches. When the aisle space and observation platform  were pressed into service, 30 more people could be accommodated. The sanctuary had a neat altar and a permanent confessional, separated from the nave by a handsome communion railing. The stations of the cross were built-in to form a part of the carâs interior decoration. The organ with a rich tone was installed near the entrance. The remaining space of the car was used as living quarters by the chaplain and superintendent. The compartments included a study which could also be used as a dining room, a library, or office, sleeping compartment, and a kitchen. The car was well provided with storage room and lockers. Now which of the three ãChapel Carsä was really the roots of our St. Anthony Parish in Portland, we have not been able to ascertain.But we do know that Masses were said in a chapel car that came to the Kern Park area, and that was the beginnings of St. Anthony Parish. This information was obtained from the Historical Archives of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Excerpts were taken from the Oregon Catholic History Newsletter, Vol. 6, 1904.
ROBERT MURPHY MEMORIAL HALL Groundbreaking for this building was in February, 1959. The hail was dedicated to Robert Murphy, a former St. Anthony altar boy, who sacrificed his life in an attempt to save anotherâs. St. Anthony parishioners will always be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Murphy (his parents) for their continued interest and generosity toward our parish.
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SAGE-FEDE 6420 S.W. Macadam Suite 205 Portland, Oregon 97239 Phone: 503-245-1446 Fax: 503-245-7977 Email Us! |
